Yankees draft SHU's Murphy in 6th round

William S. Paxton

Updated 12:16 am, Saturday, June 8, 2013

Sacred Heart infielder John Murphy handles a grounder recently at Quinnipiac. Murphy upped his confidence in his game last summer by performing well in the Cape Cod League and now has a few scouts watching him.
Photo: Contributed Photo

Sacred Heart infielder John Murphy handles a grounder recently at...

Sacred Heart infielder John Murphy
Photo: Contributed Photo

Sacred Heart infielder John Murphy

Sacred Heart shortstop John Murphy, left, waits to tag out Clemson runner Phil Pohl as he attempts to steal second during an NCAA college baseball tournament game at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Friday, June 3, 2011,in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Anderson Independent-Mail, Mark Crammer)
Photo: AP

Sacred Heart shortstop John Murphy, left, waits to tag out Clemson...

Connecticut's John Andreoli slides under the tag of Sacred Heart shortstop John Murphy during an NCAA Clemson regional college baseball game at Doug Kingsmore Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, June 4, 2011. (AP Photo/ Richard Shiro)
Photo: AP

Connecticut's John Andreoli slides under the tag of Sacred Heart...

Sacred Heart infielder John Murphy prepares for a pitch in a recent game. Murphy enhanced his major-league chances last summer with a strong Cape Cod League performance.
Photo: Contributed Photo

Sacred Heart infielder John Murphy prepares for a pitch in a recent...

North Carolina State's Matt Bergquist (7) is safe at second after Secred Heart shortstop John Murphy dropped the ball during the sixth inning of an NCAA college baseball tournament regional game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, June 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Photo: Karl B DeBlaker, Associated Press

The Murphy household was short one fan when the phone call came from the New York Yankees Friday afternoon, but John Murphy just knew how special this day would have been to his father.

"He gave me my drive and my work ethic," Murphy said about his father, Kevin, who passed away in 2007 from cancer. "That's who I play for.

"My goal has always been to play for him."

With his mom, Anne, and uncle Dick Shea sitting close by, Murphy's phone rang right around 4 p.m. and area scout Matt Hyde asked just one question "will you sign for this?"

Murphy, who grew up a fan of the Bronx Bombers, and in particular Derek Jeter, quickly responded "yes." Thirty seconds later, the Yankees announced the former Seymour High and Sacred Heart University star shortstop was their sixth-round selection with the 194th pick. He is the highest selection in SHU history and the 14th Pioneer to be drafted.

"I'll get the opportunity to play right by home," said Murphy, who will likely start the summer with the Staten Island Yankees after he signs. "I've had such great support from my family.

"I couldn't be happier."

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Murphy started four seasons at shortstop with the Pioneers and went to two NCAA tournaments.

SHU lost to Bryant in the NEC championship game last month, denying Murphy and the Pioneers a third straight conference crown and NCAA trip. Murphy was the first NEC player taken in this year's draft.

Murphy led Sacred Heart in every offensive category this spring. He finished the season among the top five in the NEC in seven offensive categories, leading it with 47 RBI and eight triples. The senior captain led SHU in batting average (.367) slugging (.565), on base percentage (.442), doubles (13), home runs (4), walks (26), and stolen bases (29). Murphy ended his college career just three hits (264) shy of the school record.

"I'm happy for John," Giaquinto said. "He worked hard and he came in with a good work ethic. It's a dream come true.

"I'm proud he was a Pioneer."

In addition to making his mark in college, Murphy spent last summer playing for the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League where he quickly made a name for himself. Murphy batted .308 with four homers, 16 RBIs and six stolen bases in 104 at-bats along with making the All-Star Game before a hamstring injury cut his season short.